an economy that works for everyone

Economic Progress

We believe economic growth both enables and is enabled by the principles of human progress. A society that implements these principles is the most likely to exhibit broad-based economic progress.

Economic growth is not just a number measured by economists; it represents tangible improvements in human lives. It enables a society based on equal rights and mutual benefit and it empowers people to live lives of meaning and fulfillment.  

This growth consistently occurs in societies where individuals are empowered to innovate and engage in mutually beneficial relationships to create value for themselves and others. When a society’s culture or policies move away from the principles of human progress, economic growth ceases to be sustainable and often slows or stops entirely.  

Economic growth enabled by the principles of human progress results in a society where people and organizations continually share new ideas, build new capabilities, and inspire themselves and others to create increasing levels of value rather than engage in protectionism and force to maintain limited value for themselves.

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Research and Education Priorities

Business Dynamism When individuals and businesses have the freedom to act entrepreneurially to create value for others, everyone is better off. We seek grant applications from researchers examining how businesses can serve as the engine of economic growth, allowing for mutually beneficial exchange with their customers, employees, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Fiscal Policy U.S. federal and state governments should spend, tax, and control debt responsibly. We seek grant applications from researchers who examine the need for government fiscal policies that contribute to present-day economic prosperity without creating undue burdens on future generations.

The Administrative State The administrative state is currently one of the largest obstacles in the way of significant leaps forward in technology and innovation. That needs to change. We seek grant applications from researchers who examine how the United States can adopt an institutional environment of permissionless innovation to remain competitive.

Energy and Environmental Stewardship U.S. institutions should foster competition, experimentation, and consumer choice. These principles provide the critical conditions for discovering and implementing bottom-up solutions, including innovative technologies that increase energy density, resource use efficiency, and economic growth. We seek grant applications from scholars who research how environmental quality can be protected while energy poverty is reduced, and disaster resilience increased.

Housing Eliminating barriers to housing imposed by onerous land use regulations, including zoning, will ensure more Americans are able to find housing. We seek grant applications from scholars who investigate how access to housing, particularly housing in the most productive and innovative communities in the country, will improve economic mobility and drive continued innovation and growth.

Trade We seek grant applications from scholars who research how free trade allows individuals and businesses access to high-quality, low-cost goods, and expands market opportunities by creating access to customers around the world.

Our Partners

Tyler Cowen

Mercatus Center, George Mason University

Mercatus Center at George Mason University is a university-based research center dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and public-policy problems. Led by faculty director Tyler Cowen, Mercatus explores how markets work to improve people’s lives.

Tyler Cowen

Mercatus Center, George Mason University

Chris Koopman

The Center for Growth and Opportunity, Utah State University

Chris Koopman leads The Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University, which studies how the key institutions of society can ignite economic growth.

Chris Koopman

The Center for Growth and Opportunity, Utah State University

Chris Koopman leads The Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University, which studies how the key institutions of society can ignite economic growth.

Ed Timmons

The Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation, West Virginia University

The Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation at West Virginia University, led by Ed Timmons, provides information on the extent, scope, and effects of occupational regulation.

Ed Timmons

The Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation, West Virginia University

The Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation at West Virginia University, led by Ed Timmons, provides information on the extent, scope, and effects of occupational regulation.

Partner with us to build a society characterized by economic progress.

We form partnerships based on a shared vision and complementary capabilities, bringing our resources, network, knowledge, research, and more to every relationship.

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